I can't .

~27~

Pov Carlos:

As I get up from the bed to finally take a shower, I grab a clean pair of boxers from the closet and make my way toward the bathroom. I turn on the water and start undressing. Just as I'm about to step in, there's another knock at the door.

With a quiet groan, I grab a towel, wrap it around my waist, and head over. When I open the door and see y/n standing there, I can't help but smile.

"I was just about to shower," I say, stepping aside. "But come in."

Her eyes sweep over me, and I catch the slight flush that rises in her cheeks. I smile to myself and head back toward the bathroom, the sound of the shower still humming in the background.

"Mind if I join you?" she asks. "I could really use one after the day we've had."

I laugh. "Sure—make yourself at home."

I let the towel fall to the floor and step into the hot stream. The water soothes the ache settling into my muscles. Now that the adrenaline has worn off, I can feel the crash catching up to me—my back especially is starting to complain.

Then I hear her footsteps behind me. I glance over my shoulder as she steps into the shower, completely bare. She smiles at me, then gently places her hand on my chest.

"Are you really okay?" she asks, her eyes lingering on the darkening bruise along my arm.

"I'm fine, mi amor. Don't worry so much."

Her fingers glide down my torso, tracing the lines of muscle, grounding me in the moment. I press a kiss to her forehead, and she rests her head against my chest. With one arm around her waist, we stand there together, silent under the running water.

"I'm so tired I can't even wash my hair," she mumbles eventually.

"I've got you." I crouch to grab the shampoo bottle, wincing as the movement sends a sharp pain through my back.

"You okay?" she asks, concerned.

I nod, even though the pain lingers. "It's fine. Just stiff."

I squeeze shampoo into my hands and lather it gently into her hair.

"This shampoo smells like you," she says with a small grin.

"Problem?"

"Not at all. I'll just say I bought the wrong one if anyone asks."

I massage her scalp, working my fingers in small circles. She lets out a quiet, satisfied sound, eyes closed and lips curved upward. "Close your eyes," I say softly as I start rinsing her hair. I tilt her gently beneath the stream and run my hands over her face, brushing suds away.

Before she opens her eyes again, I lean in and kiss her—slow and warm. She smiles against my lips and wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me closer. I try not to flinch when her hand brushes over a sore spot on my back, but she notices anyway.

"You've been lying to me, Carlos," she says, pulling back just enough to look at me.

"Maybe a little."

"Let me take care of you for once."

"Alright," I murmur, and kiss her again.

Suddenly, she turns off the water and steps out, leaving me a little surprised. "Do you trust me?" she asks, glancing over her shoulder.

"Of course."

I follow her out, water still dripping from my skin. She bends down, picks up the towel, and gently starts drying me off. Her hands are soft and patient, her touch careful. She lowers herself to her knees to dry my legs, her own bare skin catching the light. My thoughts wander—dangerously—as she moves, her body so close, her mouth only inches from where my blood is starting to rush.